Western Sustainable Leaders Program (WSLP)

Group photo outside by the river

The Western Sustainable Leaders Program (WSLP) is a way for students to engage with sustainability throughout the year with a network of like-minded students from across campus interested in sustainability. Each month features a different theme with educational and experiential opportunities to get involved!

The WSLP engages guest speakers from across campus and the broader community, providing opportunities for students to network with professionals and peers involved with a wide range of sustainability initiatives on campus and in the community. 

Events

Each year the WSLP delivers unique events and activities across a range of sustainability themes, often in collaboration with other clubs and groups on campus. All students interested in joining the WSLP can do so via this link. Joining the WSLP means you will be added to the WSLP email group and will receive email updates.  

Benefits for Students

This program has been designed collaboratively by Western Sustainability and a team of students! We believe student leadership is key for sustainability and have built this program to benefit students and build leadership skills in a number of ways:

  • Network with professionals in various sustainability sectors
  • Learn about a range of sustainability themes
  • Stay updated on volunteer and leadership opportunities
  • Connect with students from various academic backgrounds to discuss interdisciplinary solutions to sustainability challenges

The program is open to all students (undergraduate, graduate, main campus, affiliates). 

If you would like to get involved, click this link to fill out our sign-up form!

Follow us on Instagram to stay updated on our events, contests, volunteer and leadership opportunities.

WSLP Events

Welcome Picnic (September): UC Hill

Students gathered on UC Hill to connect with peers, enjoy outdoor activities, and learn more about sustainability opportunities on campus as they kicked off the academic year.

WSLP x EnviroUSC x GreenSort Post-Hoco Clean-Up (September): Main gates to bridge

Volunteers came together after Homecoming to help clean campus and demonstrate the power of collective action in creating a more sustainable community.

Biodiversity and Wellness Walk (October): Along the river

Led by Dr. Tim Hain, participants explored the river trail on campus making observations and contributing to the Biodiversity Inventory through the iNaturalist app.

Cozy Documentary Night (November): Weldon Library

Students came together to unwind, connect with peers interested in sustainability, and enjoy a documentary paired with interactive activities.

Sustainable Urban Design (January): WIRB

Attendees examined how cities can be designed to support sustainability, resilience, and community well-being through thoughtful planning and innovative approaches.

Gardening Reimagined with FOGs (February): Greenhouses

In collaboration with Friends of the Garden (FOGs), participants reconnected with nature through hands-on planting activities, exploring the benefits of gardening for personal well-being and environmental sustainability.

AI & Greentech Panel (March): Weldon Library

Students heard from panelists working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and sustainability, discussing emerging technologies, opportunities, and challenges.

 

Welcome Picnic (September): UC Hill

Bike to Campus Day (September): Green Campus Walking Tour

WSLP x EnviroUSC Post-Hoco Clean-Up (September): Main gates to bridge

Wellness Walk (October): Along the river

WSLP x ArkAid Mission Clothing Swap (October): Weldon Community Room

WSLP x BUGS Trivia Night (November): UCC

Green Campus Tour for WSLP Members (March)

Green Campus Tour for the Office of the Registrar (March)

Growing Roots of Resilience (March): Weldon Community Room

WSLP & Ivey SIC Post-Homecoming Clean-up (September): Main gates to bridge

Bike to Campus Day (October): Green Campus Walking Tour

WSLP x Student Energy Buckthorn Bust (November): Along the river

WSLP x Student Energy Power Plant Tour (January): Western's Power Plant

Green Bin Info Session (January): Weldon Library, Community Room

Enviro Career Fair (February): Weldon Library, Community Room

Rooted Resilience: Wellness Walk (March): Medway Creek at Live Stake Planting site

WaterAid Conference - WSLP BioBlitz Workshop (March): Weldon Library, Community Room

Spring Clean-up with WSLP, EnviroUSC and Student Energy (April): Main gates to bridge

Environmentally Significant Areas (ESA) Day BioBlitz (September): Medway Valley Heritage Forest

Bike to Campus Day Lunchtime Tour (September): Green Campus Tour

WSLP x Ivey Social Impact Club Post-Hoco Clean-up (September): Campus

WSLP x FOGs Native Seed Saving (October): Fram Lands, Campus Meadow

WSLP x SSC Research in Environmental Science and Biology Event (November): Natural Sciences Centre

Safeguarding Biodiversity with Nature Canada Letter Writing Campaign (November): Weldon Library

Wellness Walk (February): Along the river on campus

WaterAid Sustainability Conference - WSLP Workshop (March): Weldon Community Room

WSLP x Student Energy Spring Cleaning Event (March): Campus

Sustainability at Western Panel (September): Webinar recording

Sustainable Fashion Forum (November): Webinar recording

Careers Around Sustainability (February): Webinar recording

Waste at Western (September): Webinar recording

Buying Sustainably (October): No recording

Sustainable Food (November): Slides for "Eating Sustainably" and "Reducing Food Waste & Buying in Season"

Energy Retrofits & Conservation Tips (January): Webinar recording

Land Protectors Panel (February): Webinar recording Part 1 and Part 2

WWF-Canada Native Plant Gardening (March): Webinar recording